Economic Development

Blog Posts
benefits of park
Nature helps rural communities build resilience
Imagine if the river just down the road were not only a place to fish, but a way to connect generations through shared storytelling. Or picture...
webinar
Rural business transition planning series aimed to help stabilize local economies
 A University of Illinois Extension Community & Economic Development team...
graph superimposed over hands on keyboard
Need data? We can help
In a previous post, now nearly ten years old, I wrote about how data can improve the effectiveness of your organization or local government. Telling...
A florist
What I Wish I had Known Before Starting My Business - Part 2
Owning a business is often seen as a path to freedom, and while that can be true, my experience has revealed a more complex reality marked by...
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News Releases
pumpkin decorated with leopard face
Free pumpkin-themed family event
JONESBORO, Ill. — Illinois Extension is excited to welcome families to the sixth annual Pumpkin Extravaganza, an afternoon celebrating all things pumpkins, on Monday, October 12, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at...
lady on a laptop
New local entrepreneur club being formed in Lewistown
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Business ownership can be a taunting undertaking. So much more goes into running a successful business than just providing a much-needed service or amazing product. Learning all the business requirements, resources available, and how best to prioritize the steps is what can...
Carly Whorton presenting at 2025 grocer summit
Illinois Extension hosts second annual Independent Grocer Summit
CARTERVILLE, Ill. — The Southern Illinois Food Access Initiative, a program of Illinois Extension, is hosting the second annual Independent Grocer Summit at John A. Logan College on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026. This annual event pulls together independent grocery store owners...
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Videos
Transitioning Energy Economies: Rural Clean Energy (2023)

Co-hosts: University of Illinois Extension, Prairie Rivers Network, Just Transition Fund, USDA Rural Development

This webinar series will explore state and federal opportunities related to the energy transition, including clean energy programs, transportation electrification, and other...

Staff
Zachary Kennedy

Zachary Kennedy

Extension State Specialist, Community and Economic Development
Profile image coming soon

Sarah Low

Professor - Rural Economic Development
Mark White

Mark White

Interim Assistant Dean and Program Leader, Community and Economic Development
Susan Odum

Susan Odum

Community and Economic Development Specialist
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